CHURCHES MUST REMAIN NON-PARTISAN AHEAD OF 2027, SAYS ARCHBISHOP AKINOLA

​As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, the Presiding Bishop and Pastor-General of Rhema Christian Church and Towers, Archbishop Taiwo Akinola, has admonished the church in Nigeria to maintain strict political neutrality, emphasizing that its primary duty is to shape moral consciences rather than endorse political candidates.
​Addressing journalists at the Champion Peace Cathedral in Sango-Ota, Ogun State, Archbishop Akinola stated that while the body of Christ must avoid partisan alignment, it cannot afford to remain indifferent to the socio-economic realities and governance challenges confronting the nation.
​“The Church must remain non-partisan but never indifferent to justice, truth and good governance. We must educate consciences rather than dictate political choices,” Akinola declared.
​He added that the true benchmark for political leadership should be measured by tangible improvements in the daily lives of citizens rather than the volume of empty campaign promises.
​Call for Credible Elections and Civic Duty
​The cleric urged all key stakeholders—including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, political parties, candidates, and civil society organizations—to commit to ensuring peaceful, transparent, and credible polls in 2027.
​He specifically cautioned against electoral malpractices such as vote-buying, voter intimidation, violence, religious manipulation, and misinformation. He also implored young people and senior citizens to seize the opportunity to complete their voter registration and pick up their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
​Urgent Action on Hardship and Youth Development
​Beyond the electoral process, Archbishop Akinola called on government authorities at all levels to urgently address critical national challenges, highlighting the soaring cost of living, severe youth unemployment, healthcare deficits, and the growing crisis of substance abuse among young Nigerians.
​“Nigeria must not abandon a generation whose creativity, strength and potential are indispensable to national development,” the cleric warned.